Short Temper at Work is Bad Behavior

We always preach that getting along with colleagues (which includes peers, juniors and superiors) is a must aspect at work place. An employee behaving with anger, replying curtly with a loud voice and being non-cooperative may see his exit shortly from the organization.

For working professionals, it is a must that they have a pleasant and a positive environment to work in. However, there are times when this very environment becomes unbearable and uncomfortable, causing dissatisfaction and anger. And due to the current scenario and with the mounting pressure to perform better amongst the ever increasing cut throat competition, there seems to be a rise in unsettling emotions including anger at work. And the result is decrease in productivity, disturbed teamwork, etc among other outcomes.

There are often moments at the work place when employees get angry and lose their cool. The reasons for the same may be many but the outcome is the same leading to low performance, failure in understanding colleagues, and sudden bursting of unknown strong feelings.

There can be numerous causes for the sudden display of anger at the workplace from small petty instances of harassment or abuse, to peer pressure, stress etc. Anger builds up inside when expression is curtailed. Most people do not have the tact to relate their problems, in an effective yet non-heated manner and to prevent an outburst, employees’ never reveal their resentments.

Anger at work can be caused due to various reasons including issues with the boss, colleague, personal issues, etc. Unfortunately stress at work has become the norm rather than an exception. Today it is not enough for you to know the job; it is most desirable that you are successful at it too.

Though it is very natural to have varied emotions at work, the result of every emotion is different. Anger specifically can have drastic impacts on your professional life. Anger may not allow an employee to see things with correct perception and is known to fail intelligence of an individual as well as of an organization. Anger at work if not addressed properly can prove to be highly counter productive. It not only affects the individual’s morale but also the performance, team dynamics and the work environment. One has to deal with emotion at work and the best way to avoid such feelings is only if a way could be found out. The best way to control anger at the workplace is to walk away from the uncomfortable discussion. It does not mean putting off the issue. It is always better to have a discussion and arguments when you are not in a disturbed frame of mind.

When you feel a bout of anger coming, try to calm down. Once you have calmed down, return with a more rational mind to discuss what went wrong and seek a solution if possible. If you still cannot see eye to eye get a third person to help you.

It is important to learn how to communicate effectively, as it can help one solve anger issues. Losing ones temper is useless, as it does not get you anywhere

So next time you think you are about to lose your cool take a deep breath. Calm down and let the moment pass, as anger can get you nowhere but out.

Try counting or pause for sometime or think before saying anything. This may not address the anger directly, but it can minimize the damage you will do while angry. Ultimately you want to get the work done or seek information from peers or your team. Anger is not the solution and spoils the way if any to complete the task.

Learn to relax. This is easier said than done some times, but if you find something that calms you it is a good way to keep your anger under control and a good way to maintain a calm environment in an angry situation.

Laugh it off: Think of something funny and laugh out loud. It is very difficult to be angry when you are laughing.

Stop and think before you speak and leave any critical language out of the conversation.